Kochi Metro Commuters Reveal Opinions in Survey

Kochi: About 61 per cent of Kochi Metro passengers have expressed their willingness to use the facility as a travel mode on a routine basis, reveals a survey conducted among Metro passengers. The survey was done by Kochi-based De Valor Management Consultants (P) Ltd. to understand the commuter experience in the Metro.

It was the first-of-its-kind survey to be conducted among the commuters of Kochi Metro. The results were released by Hibi Eden MLA at a function held in Ernakulam Press Club the other day. The survey was done at various Metro stations along the first stretch from Aluva to Palarivattom. Passengers were asked nine questions including about the fare structure, facilities, women’s safety concerns, parking and feeder facilities.

Explaining the survey results, Sudheer Babu, Founder and Managing Director, De Valor said 43 per cent of the passengers expressed concern over the fares. “They opined the fares are on a higher side. Although 53 per cent of passengers said the ticket charges are reasonable, we found that most them were there to experience the Metro ride or were going for shopping,” he said. “25 per cent of the commuters surveyed are either employees or students and another 3 per cent casual labourers,” he added.

A large number of respondents expressed satisfaction over women’s safety, customer service and feeder facilities. About 82 per cent of the commuters were satisfied with the customer service and women’s safety, while 73 per cent said there were enough feeder facilities. 75 per cent opined they had a good experience on Kochi Metro.

Of the participants of the survey, 79 per cent were experiencing the ride for the first time. Though 46 per cent of the respondents expressed satisfaction over the parking facilities in Metro stations, a sizeable 33 per cent opined that more needs to be done to improve parking spaces in stations.

“Overall, the survey results show that people are seeing the Kochi Metro as a positive thing. However, at the same time, commuters want the fares to be slashed, introduction of more feeder services, food courts in stations, season ticket for daily commuters, concession for students, Wi-Fi facilities in stations, better parking facilities etc.,” said Sudheer.

Of the total respondents, 47 per cent were aged between 18 and 25; 22 per cent between 26 and 35; and 15 per cent between 36 and 45. Twelve per cent of the respondents were in the age group of 46 to 60 and 4 per cent over 60 years old. 76 per cent of the respondents were male and the rest female.